Reptile · Skink
Prehensile-tailed skink care guide
Corucia zebrata
The prehensile-tailed skink is a advanced-level skink from Solomon Islands. Adults reach 60–75 cm and live 20–30 years in captivity. Herbivore. Use edible, non-toxic plants only.
- Enclosure 90 × 60 × 120 cm
- Temp 24–29°C, basking 32°C
- Humidity 60–80%
How much does a prehensile-tailed skink cost in Canada?
Prehensile-tailed skink quick facts
- Skill level
- Advanced
- Adult size
- 60–75 cm
- Lifespan
- 20–30 years
- Activity
- Nocturnal
- Native range
- Solomon Islands
- Minimum enclosure
- 90 × 60 × 120 cm (35 × 24 × 47 in, ≈ 171 US gal)
- Housing
- Up to 2 can share; add about 60% more floor space for each extra animal.
- Temperature
- 24–29°C, basking 32°C
- Humidity
- 60–80%
- UVB
- Recommended
- Diet
- Herbivore – pothos, greens, vegetables, some fruit
- Bioactive style
- Tropical arboreal
Prehensile-tailed skink enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 90 × 60 × 120 cm (35 × 24 × 47 inches). Up to 2 can share; add about 60% more floor space for each extra animal. This species suits a tropical arboreal bioactive build.
- Leaf litter2 cm
- Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix10 cm
- Drainage – clay bio balls5 cm
Most of the action is vertical – keep the soil moist but not wet, and focus on perches and dense planting.
Temperature: 24–29°C, basking 32°C. Humidity: 60–80%. UVB: Recommended.
What does a prehensile-tailed skink eat?
Herbivore – pothos, greens, vegetables, some fruit. Fresh greens daily.
Handling, temperament & health
Captive-bred can be calm; adults may bite hard if defensive.
Health watch: Parasites in imports, metabolic bone disease and dehydration.
Cleaning & maintenance schedule
Daily
- Mist to raise humidity – usually a heavy evening misting with a dry-down by day.
- Check temperatures at perch height.
Weekly
- Feed; remove uneaten food (and diet dishes after 24–48 h).
- Check the drainage layer and prune vines.
- Look for stuck shed on toes and tails.
Monthly
- Top up leaf litter.
- Check branches and mounts are still secure.
- Clean glass, vents and misting nozzles.
Yearly
- Refresh the top of the soil in open areas.
- Replace UVB bulbs (if used) on schedule.
Recommended for a prehensile-tailed skink bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (90 × 60 × 120 cm).
Clay Bio Balls
Drainage layer, 5 cm
Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix
Bioactive soil layer, 10 cm
Magnolia Leaves 10/Pack
Leaf litter – food and cover for the clean-up crew
Fresh Sphagnum Moss Container
Moss for humidity pockets and planting
Cork Bark Backgrounds
Turns the back wall into climbing space
Cork Bark Tubes
A “tree trunk” to climb and hide in
Yamuna Spiderwood
Arboreal species prefer diagonal and horizontal perches
Cork Branches
More climbing routes
Prehensile-tailed skink FAQ
Is the prehensile-tailed skink good for beginners?
The prehensile-tailed skink is an advanced species – best for experienced keepers. Captive-bred can be calm; adults may bite hard if defensive.
What size enclosure does a prehensile-tailed skink need?
At least 90 × 60 × 120 cm (about 35 × 24 × 47 inches, roughly 171 US gallons) for one adult. Up to 2 can share; add about 60% more floor space for each extra animal.
How much does a prehensile-tailed skink cost in Canada?
Typically $800–2000 CAD to buy, about $1290–2240 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $400–600 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a prehensile-tailed skink need?
Temperature: 24–29°C, basking 32°C. Humidity: 60–80%.
What does a prehensile-tailed skink eat?
Herbivore – pothos, greens, vegetables, some fruit. Fresh greens daily.
Similar species
This care sheet is general guidance from One Bioactive, not veterinary advice. Needs vary with age, locality and individual animals – confirm with your breeder and an exotics vet. Prices are typical Canadian ranges in CAD and change over time.